Ultrasound characteristics of breast carcinoma

Recent advances in ultrasound technology, such as the use of high-frequency linear transducers, color flow Doppler, and computer-enhanced imaging, have improved the diagnostic utility of ultrasound. The following retrospective study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of sonographic signs of malignancy and to compare sonography to mammography in 157 patients with palpable, biopsy-proven breast carcinomas. The mammogram reports and sonograms were all reviewed. The grade of each mammogram was recorded using the American College of Radiology mammogram grading scale. All sonograms were reviewed and assigned a score using an adaptation of this scale. Of 157 lesions, 121 were read as suspicious or probable malignancies on mammogram. Thirty-three lesions were read as benign or normal on mammogram. Three patients did not receive mammograms. All 157 lesions were read as either suspicious or probably malignant on ultrasound. Using the 16 described criteria, high-definition sonography complements mammography and appears to be a sensitive modality in the evaluation of palpable biopsy-proven breast malignancies. The diagnostic utility of ultrasound will likely be most important in the evaluation of nonpalpable breast masses; however, a prospective randomized trial will need to be performed.